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Ryder Cup LIVE: Express Sport brings you coverage throughout the day from Le Golf National (Image: RYDER CUP)

Ryder Cup LIVE: Express Sport brings you coverage throughout the day from Le Golf National (Image: RYDER CUP)

McIlroy/Poulter vs Spieth/Thomas 4&3

17:05: Stay of execution? Nope. Poulter briefly keeps the match alive with a putt into the centre of the cup but Spieth wants this done fast and birdies to secure the point for America.

‘Emotional’

17:00: Tommy Fleetwood can barely contain his delight, and is that a crack of the voice I hear?

“I feel a little bit emotional now and we’re only on Saturday. We were really good this afternoon, really solid and played really well. To have your own piece of history together is really special,” Fleetwood said. “I’m just glad we’ve done our job for the team and we can watch the matches come in now.”

McIlroy/Poulter vs Spieth/Thomas 4UP (14)

16:55: Just the one match left to finish but the result has pretty much been decided with Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth teaching the European duo a tough lesson.

Spieth stays the right side of the fairway to avoid the drink on the terrifying 15th. Poulter does the same and both reach the green with a minimum of fuss – but I highly doubt we’ll see a birdie here. Stay of execution perhaps?

Garcia/Noren vs Watson/Simpson 3&2

16:50: Big performance for these two. The crucial work was done on the front nine, where they won five of a possible nine. The Americans reduce the overall deficit to five points!

2&1 Rose/Stenson vs Johnson/Koepka

16:45: Well that escalated quickly…

Rose/Stenson beat Johnson/Koepka 2&1. There was a brief window of opportunist for the US pair but Stenson showed his metal effortlessly draining from 12ft.

“It was a tough match. I managed to squeeze a couple of putts in the right direction. That felt awesome,”Stenson said.

“It’s a place we’ve got comfortable playing. We knew they would try something different. They are an incredible pairing,”Rose added.

Ryder Cup LIVE: Express Sport brings you coverage throughout the day from Le Golf National (Image: GETTY)

Ryder Cup LIVE: Express Sport brings you coverage throughout the day from Le Golf National (Image: GETTY)

5&4 Molinari/Fleetwood vs Woods/DeChambeau

16:40: Woods/DeChambeau survive… for now at least. It would have been pretty spectacular if Fleetwood had chipped in from the right side bunker but the decent splash rolls just past the pin.

But they have a second bite of the cherry because Bryson has sent his birdie putt wide.

Molinari is standing over a five-footer… SINKS IT! Europe have another point on the board and this duo creates history. They’ll make a film about “Moliwood” one day…

4UP Molinari/Fleetwood vs Woods/DeChambeau (13)

16:38: Woods/DeChambeau survive… for now at least. It would have been pretty spectacular if Molinari had chipped in from the right side bunker but the decent splash rolls just past the pin.

McIlroy/Poulter vs Spieth/Thomas 4UP (13)

16:33: This is a different United States this afternoon. They are showing more guts, determination and guile to stamp out any momentum for the Europeans.

Poulter plays a delightful low-cutter that sits up nicely on the green, but it’s too little too late as Spieth/Thomas go 4UP with just five holes remaining. It could be all over if Europe lose on the 14th.

Garcia/Noren vs Watson/Simpson 4UP (14)

16:27: Nearly game, set and match between this quartet as Simpson sticks a second shot to four feet of the pin. Garcia and Noren concede when the Spaniard fails to make birdie and the US are guaranteed points with four holes left.

4UP Molinari/Fleetwood vs Woods/DeChambeau (13)

16:25: Tiger won’t be thanking DeChambeau for that one. He’s left straddling the bank on the 13th and astonishingly tees his partner up for a birdie, which he subsequently misses. Fleetwood and Molinari remain four up.

1UP Rose/Stenson vs Johnson/Koepka (15)

16:20: No birdies?! What on earth am I talking about. I think I was tempting fate too be honest. Brooks Koepka pings a beautiful approach shot on the 15th, probably the best of the day, and DJ does the rest. Tight now with three left to play.

Ryder Cup LIVE: Express Sport brings you coverage throughout the day from Le Golf National (Image: REUTERS)

Halved, halved, halved…

16:17: These birdies aren’t too plentiful right now with each winning duo eager to protect their lead. I think if you asked Thomas Bjorn now he would take two points each – that’ll still give Europe a four-point lead heading into tomorrow’s singles.

McIlroy/Poulter vs Spieth/Thomas 3UP (11)

16:13: I suspect the imaginary roof on Le Golf National will come down if Rory McIlroy sinks this. He’s the better part of 40ft… it’s travelling… it’s still going… too long. Sorry to raise your hopes. It’s halved.

4UP Molinari/Fleetwood vs Woods/DeChambeau (12)

16:10: That potential comeback was quickly halted by “Moliwood,” who combine to prevent a third successive US win. Just six remaining in Match 3 and it could be over in the next two holes.

McIlroy/Poulter vs Spieth/Thomas 3UP (11)

16:05: Thomas is taking along this afternoon with some inspired play. The American sinks it from just over 20-yards away. McIlroy’s putt for birdie just drifts off target.

3UP Molinari/Fleetwood vs Woods/DeChambeau (11)

16:00: Bryson DeChambeau hits a blinder to within four foot on the par-three 11th and Tiger obliges. Golf is a very simple game sometimes… two in two for the Americans.

Garcia/Noren vs Watson/Simpson 3UP (12)

15:55: Now where are those cheers coming from? Ah, they are coming from the 12th where Sergio Garcia has played a glorious approach shot to land within spitting distance of the pin. Could be back to two rebind with six remaining. Noren pushes it wide. Halved.

4UP Molinari/Fleetwood vs Woods/DeChambeau (10)

15:50: Birdie! Tiger Woods and DeChambeau finally have themselves a birdie! It’s been a long time coming, and is probably too little too late but Tiger steadies himself to finish a tidy 4-footer. Europe 4UP with 8 remaining.

Remember, victory for Molinari and Fleetwood would make them the first European pair to win all four matches together in a Ryder Cup, while a defeat for Woods would be his 20th – just one short of Phil Mickelson’s record.

Ryder Cup LIVE: Express Sport brings you coverage throughout the day from Le Golf National (Image: GETTY)

1UP Rose/Stenson vs Johnson/Koepka (12)

15:40: Justin Rose is left with far too much to do after Henrik Stenson chipped from off the green. He’s over 10ft away and gifts Brooks Koepka two putts from eight feet. The deficit is just one now.

Garcia/Noren vs Watson/Simpson 3UP (10)

15:35: Garcia and Noren are just three down now. Watson drives into the rough and there’s no recovery in sight. A healthy advantage nonetheless.

5UP Molinari/Fleetwood vs Woods/DeChambeau (9)

15:30: Shall we just call the whole thing off? Tiger drags his umpteenth par-putt wide from less than three-feet and Molinari say thank you very much and help themselves to yet another point.

I should mention that Bryson DeChambeau did a tremendous splashing job in the sand to create the opening.

McIlroy/Poulter vs Spieth/Thomas 2UP (8)

15:25: It’s just so loose from Thomas Bjorn’s blockbuster pair, who were leading by 2 at one point. That seems like a long time ago now as McIlroy misses a short one for par and Justin Thomas does the business.

The Americans have won four out of the last five holes.

4UP Molinari/Fleetwood vs Woods/DeChambeau (8)

15:20: DeChambeau’s Ryder Cup debut is turning into a horror show. He lost 5&4 yesterday alongside Phil Mickelson and now he’s taking a beating at the hands of Tommy Fleetwood.

4UP Molinari/Fleetwood vs Woods/DeChambeau (8)

15:17: This is almost tough to watch for poor Tiger Woods, who clearly isn’t built for Ryder Cup golf. He misses a short one for a par at the par-three eighth after DeChambeau pitched it nicely. USA are 4DOWN through 8.

2UP Rose/Stenson vs Johnson/Koepka (10)

15:10: Slow and steady wins the race, at least that’s what watching Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson together has taught me. There was no sign of panic when they went behind now that’ve earned a two-shot lead with DJ missing a dolly for par.

Garcia/Noren vs Watson/Simpson 4UP (8)

15:07: Well who saw this coming? The European pair are being taught a lesson as Bubba clips a gorgeous tee shot into 8, pin high, ten feet from the flag. Simpson holes the birdie putt after Noren and Garcia can only make par.

Strong men also cry…

15:05: That’s a The Big Lebowski reference for you cult film fans out there. Paul Casey revealed he was not ashamed to cry after securing his first full Ryder Cup point for 12 years in Paris.

The Englishman, returning to the European team after a decade-long absence, teamed up with Tyrell Hatton to defeat the American pair of Dustin Johnson and Rickie Fowler 3&2 at Le Golf National.

“Yes there was a tear. I was emotional. I’ve always been a bit that way. I cry in movies, as well,” he said. “Probably (after) most of my wins I’ve been a bit teary. Hey, I’m not embarrassed. I care about it. It means an awful lot to me.”

Double swing

15:00: Two most unwelcome updates coming now. Turn away if you’re of a nervous disposition…

Noren is unable to do anything with Garcia’s hoiked drive from the seventh but Johnson CAN recover from a dodgy Bubba drive. The end result is a second-consecutive win for the visitors.

Thomas and Spieth gratefully accept a gift from the erratic McIlroy and Poulter to turn a two-shot deficit into a one-shot lead in the space of three holes.

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Twitter round-up

Matt: I’m here at the Ryder Cup in person and I can tell you Tiger Woods is categorically sick of Fleetwood and Molinari this week.

Kevin: How is a player like Tiger Woods so bad at Ryder Cup play and a player like Ian Poulter is so good?!

Tom: Tiger Woods truly will be sick of the sight of Moliwood… odds he gets one of them in the singles?

Now that would be one hell of a singles match. Fleetwood vs Woods? Make it happen!

3UP Molinari/Fleetwood vs Woods/DeChambeau (6)

14:50: Oh boy. Moliwood are one under-par through six, yet find themselves with a healthy three-shot advantage over the toiling American pair. I can’t see this one going the distance – even if Europe’s favourites aren’t at their brilliant best.

If Tommy Fleetwood wins his match this afternoon, he’ll be the first rookie to win his first four Ryder Cup matches since Larry Nelson in 1979.

AS McIlroy/Poulter vs Spieth/Thomas AS (5)

14:45: Poulter and McIlroy in all sorts of trouble at the fourth. Rory finds greenside sand and Poulter can only chip it back past the hole. That’s bogey and Spieth/Thomas are on even terms after two-consecutive holes.

2UP Molinari/Fleetwood vs Woods/DeChambeau (5)

14:40: Another fairway missed by Tiger, and another recovery shot from DeChambeau fails to make the grade. Molinari and Fleetwood can’t believe their luck – they should be in the clubhouse for the Chelsea vs Liverpool game at 5.30.

1UP Rose/Stenson vs Johnson/Koepka (8)

14:38: 0-1 down, 2-1 up. Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson turn this game upside down with two points in four holes. Koepka misses the green and Johnson leaves him with a tricky five-footer for par… no dice. Europe ahead.

Garcia/Noren vs Watson/Simpson 2UP (6)

14:35: That’s more like it, lads! After a garbage few holes this quartet have pulled themselves together with two scintillation approach shots that leave good birdie opportunities. Simpson’s is just about the easier of the two… Alex Noren makes a real hash of his. Noren doesn’t. 2UP through 6.

Ryder Cup LIVE: Express Sport brings you coverage throughout the day from Le Golf National (Image: REUTERS)

‘We’ve got to narrow the gap’

14:27: USA captain Jim Furyk speaking to Sky Sports: “Not winning a point the first three matches in the morning put a lot of pressure on them [Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth]. Both played real solid and it kept us within four.

“Those foursome matches yesterday were spectacular, would my guys be disappointed? Yes. But they are fighting really hard and I think you’ll see that again this afternoon. We tried to pick our very best pairings, the combinations that had the best chance to get points and that’s what we’ve got to do at the moment to narrow that gap.”

1UP McIlroy/Poulter vs Spieth/Thomas (4)

14:25: Rory McIlroy troubles some cars on the motorway with a rank slice off the tee. Poulter has to play a provisional while they search for Rory’s ball but having found it – the Northern Irishman fails to make the green and this is going back to the Americans.

Garcia/Noren vs Watson/Simpson 1UP (5)

14:20: Bubba Watson has gifted Europa a foothold on the fourth by sliding a routine 5-footer left of the hole. Noren capitalises from roughly the same distance to reduce the deficit.

14:10: McIlroy leaves Poulter in the far-side bunker. It should be a relatively simple punch but he’s scooped it and it lands the far side of the green. Spieth can’t chip in for the hole – but McIlroy can and halves it.

He celebrates by stretching his arms out like Leonardo Di Caprio in The Wolf of Wall Street. Bit early for that, Rory. “Who am I? Who am I?” to a vocal member of the crowd. He’s fully charged up!

Ryder Cup LIVE: Express Sport brings you coverage throughout the day from Le Golf National (Image: SKYSPORTS)

2UP Molinari/Fleetwood vs Woods/DeChambeau (3)

14:05: Tommy Fleetwood may have found a new enemy in the United States, because he is punishing them every single time he’s on the green. Immaculate putting sends “Moliwood” into a two-shot lead.

And now Woods and DeChambeau are out of position all the way down the par-five 3rd. Serves him right for that… odd choice of hat he’s wearing today.

Garcia/Noren vs Watson/Simpson 2UP (4)

14:00: Good afternoon Mr Webb Simpson, so nice of you to join us today. He announces himself with an absolute peach that should leave Bubba with a tap-in for birdie. Can Garcia respond… No! He’s in the bunker and that’s 2UP through 4.

Sergio’s not kicked on since that tremendous winner back on the 17th.

Garcia/Noren vs Watson/Simpson 1UP (4)

13:58: Good afternoon Mr Webb Simpson, so nice of you to join us today. He announces himself with an absolute peach that should leave Bubba with a tap-in for birdie. Can Garcia respond… No! He’s in the bunker and that’s 2UP through 4.

Sergio’s not kicked on since that tremendous winner back on the 17th.

2UP McIlroy/Poulter vs Spieth/Thomas (2)

13:55: Wait up, it’s double bubble on the second as Spieth aggressively tries to birdie for the American’s but he’s sent it miles beyond the hole. Thomas needs this to prevent back-to-back bogies… he’s missed it! Europe double their advantage in the blink of an eye.

1UP McIlroy/Poulter vs Spieth/Thomas (1)

13:50: Pressure on Thomas as Poulter cosies a 20-footer to the hole. Ok, it didn’t sink but Justin Thomas has a tricky eight-footer to salvage par… missed it. Excellent start for McIlroy and Poulter.

Ryder Cup LIVE: Express Sport brings you coverage throughout the day from Le Golf National (Image: REUTERS)

Garcia/Noren vs Watson/Simpson 1UP (3)

13:48: This is so bad it’s untrue. I don’t think anyone’s managed to play a decent shot yet and par looks like a slim possibility again with both second shots landing amongst the spectators.

And now I have to eat my words as Garcia and Watson both miraculously find the green to set up par shots. Halved.

AS Rose/Stenson vs Johnson/Koepka AS (4)

13:45: Dustin Johnson is good, but he can’t work miracles as Koepka leaves him battling against the shrubs. And so it proves, the Americans don’t make par and concede the hole. All-square after four.

1UP Molinari/Fleetwood vs Woods/DeChambeau (1)

13:43:“In the hole,” screams a spectator at Tiger Woods on the par-three second. He’s nearly predicted it as the American sticks it in birdie range – perhaps five-feet from the pin.

McIlroy/Poulter vs Spieth/Thomas

13:40: The last match of the foursomes is underway as Jordan Spieth spanks it miles down the fairway. Looked to be drifting into the rough but he got a welcome kick and lands a good spot. Ian Poulter steps up… does the same.

1UP Molinari/Fleetwood vs Woods/DeChambeau (1)

13:35: The Molinari/Fleetwood juggernaut continues on the first. Woods plays a fine approach shot to 20-feet or so but Fleetwood’s is even better and Molinari finishes the job. Naturally. 1UP through 1.

Garcia/Noren vs Watson/Simpson 1UP (2)

13:30: Guys, I thought this was the pinnacle of golf? OK, theres a light breeze on the approach to the daunting par-three second, but that’s no excuse for Bubba Watson AND Alex Noren to send their opening tee-shots straight into the water.

They eventually half the hole with two triple bogeys!

Molinari/Fleetwood vs Woods/DeChambeau

12:25: I suspect Tiger Woods will be delighted to see the back of Patrick Reed, who was pretty abysmal. No wonder he looks knackered – he took a beating off Fleetwood for the second time in less than 24 hours.

Must be sick of the sight of Tommy. Anyway, we’re underway in Match 3.

Ryder Cup LIVE: Express Sport brings you coverage throughout the day from Le Golf National (Image: REUTERS)

Garcia/Noren vs Watson/Simpson 1UP (1)

13:20: Ah, I may have spoken too soon. There’s no racing away of any kind of the European pair as the Americans take an early lead. Bubba and Noren find the green meaning it’s all down to the putting – and Simpson holes it.

Garcia/Noren vs Watson/Simpson

13:15: This time yesterday Sergio Garcia looked a bag of nerves when opening his Ryder Cup campaign but no such concerns today. He finds the fairway with his tee-shot, as does Simpson and a gentle stroll awaits.

Garcia and rookie Noren raced seven up on Phil Mickelson and Bryson DeChambeau after just nine holes yesterday – fingers crossed for more of the same today.

Rose/Stenson vs Johnson/Koepka 1UP (1)

13:10: That’s not we like to see. America draw first blood in Match 1 as Brooks Koepka, who was building some form against Garcia and McIlroy this morning, sticks one on the green. Johnson doesn’t make birdie but Stenson misses anyway and USA are 1UP through 1.

Rose/Stenson vs Johnson/Koepka

13:00: No rest for the wicked as the hilariously titled foursomes get underway. Yes I’m that immature. There’s a huge roar and fans start signing the Gareth Southgate World Cup song to Henrik Stenson. He looks mystified.

Anyway, Rose/Stenson vs Johnson/Koepka are underway.

Ryder Cup LIVE: Express Sport brings you coverage throughout the day from Le Golf National (Image: RYDER CUP)

Poulter/Rahm vs Thomas/Spieth 2&1

12:55: After much waiting, Justin Thomas is standing over his birdie opportunity on the par-four 17th… DONE! America have their first points on the board since yesterday morning to reduce rage overall deficit.

Poulter/Rahm vs Thomas/Spieth 1UP (16)

12:45: “Come on Poults, you need a little growler,” says the rather excited Sky Sports commentator. Poulter didn’t oblige unfortunately when hacking it into more rough.

Jordan Spieth could’t muster a spectacular second, nor could Jon Rahm who finds himself the wrong side of the green’s fringe. However, Justin Thomas plays a stunning approach shot that stops dead two-feet from the pin. I’ll be very surprised indeed if America don’t secure a point here.

Poulter/Rahm vs Thomas/Spieth 1UP (16)

12:40: Oh for goodness sake, Ian and Jon! Both are way too hasty off the 17th and find themselves in the rough towards the right-hand side of the fairway. Jordan Spieth joins them. No such problems for the Justin Thomas – he’s in prime position. Remember, if Europe concede this hole – America will have themselves a valuable point.

Poulter/Rahm vs Thomas/Spieth 1UP (16)

12:30: Right then, I’ve starved you of updates for this crucial Match 4 long enough. We’ve seen a couple of halves on the 14th and 15th.

Spieth and Thomas have themselves excellent birdie opportunities on the 16th, as does Poulter but Rahm will only make par.

It’s a little yippie from Thomas as his backstroke goes missing. Poulter is next up… IT’S THERE! The tee-shot was so good that it was never really in doubt.

Spieth needs this to halve… just. It flirts with the cup, moves 360 degrees and drops. Heart in mouth moment for Jim Furyk and Co.

Ryder Cup LIVE: Express Sport brings you coverage throughout the day from Le Golf National (Image: PA)

‘My best friend’

12:25: The bromance between Tommy Fleetwood and Francesco Molinari has reached new levels after yet another victory for the pair. Here’s what Fleetwood said when asked what it was like playing with the Italian.

“He’s one of my best friends – not just on tour but in life,” he told Sky Sports. “He’s an amazing golfer on top of that and I’ve been very, very lucky to get partnered with Fran. We knew we wanted to play together. We gel great. I could give him all the compliments in the world.

“We played very solid, we started riding the wave on the back nine when Fran started playing great. I just stood by his side and tried to hit decent golf shots as well and let him go free. It was just a great morning again.”

Foursomes draw

12:20: With the final match still out on the course the afternoon foursomes have been released and Bjorn goes with the same pairings as yesterday, just in a different order.

Surprisingly Woods is put out again despite looking tired, paired with Bryson DeChambeau up against Europe’s in-form duo if Molinari and Fleetwood.

However, there was no place for Phil Mickelson, who played so poorly yesterday.

The last time the left-hander was benched all day was at Gleneagles four years ago, which led to his post-match criticism of then captain Tom Watson.

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4&3 Molinari/Fleetwood vs Woods/Reed

12:10: Eight points in a row for Europe. There have never been back-to-back whitewashes in the Ryder Cup.

It’s been another exemplary display from Open champion Francesco Molinari and Tommy Fleetwood, who maintain their 100 percent record with a 4&3 win over an abysmal Patrick Reed and a slightly better Tiger Woods.

“We just started riding the wave on the back nine when Fran was playing great,” said Fleetwood. “It is just incredible the feelings, the highs and lows you feel. We go again this afternoon, that is what we are here for. There is not 14 and a half points on the board yet.”

All eyes on Ian Poulter now. He likes it like that…

3UP Molinari/Fleetwood vs Woods/Reed (14)

12:08: The end is nigh for Woods and Reed, who played no kind of shot off the par-four 15th. The Americans look like they will struggle for par and want this to be over. They are going to get their wish shortly.

Poulter/Rahm vs Thomas/Spieth 1UP (14)

12:04: We’ve got more shushing from the Americans, and this time it’s Justin Thomas! Jon Rahm goes ballistic after nailing birdie from 10ft and unleashes the biggest fist-pump we’ve seen but Thomas responds and cups his ear to the spectators.

This could get feisty with four left to play.

3&2 Casey/Hatton vs Johnson/Fowler

11:57: Another round of “Oleeeeeeeee, Olé, Olé, Olé,” from the European fans as Paul Casey and Tyrrell Hatton secure an extremely impressive victory over Dustin Johnson and Rickie Fowler. I can’t express how pleased I am with these two for finishing this in style.

Europe have now won the last seven matches. Could be eight in a row if Tommy Fleetwood and Francesco Molinari can see off Woods and Reed.

“It’s amazing, almost lost for words,” Hatton said. “It’s such a special moment. To be here is an honour and to win a point for the team is very special. It was a Casey express train the front nine; I was just trying to help out when I could.”

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1UP Garcia/McIlroy vs Finau/Koepka (16)

11:50: Sergio!!!!!! Amazing scenes on the 17th as Sergio Garcia somehow drains a curving 15-footer from the edge of the green. Big players deliver in big moments and captain Thomas Bjorn absolutely loves it with a double fist-pump.

Brooks Koepka needs to respond from a similar spot to force a last hole… he’s missed! Europe win Match 1 and lead 6-3 overall.

3UP Molinari/Fleetwood vs Woods/Reed (13)

11:47: Tiger misses a dolly and the chances are that Tommy Fleetwood will sink his to go 4UP with four remaining. Those flowing locks of Tommy line this up… wide. It’s a rare miss from Fleetwood and the USA are still alive. Just.

1UP Garcia/McIlroy vs Finau/Koepka (16)

11:45: Oh I don’t believe it. Rory McIlroy has sent his tee-shot straight into the long grass on the right side of the fairway. He’s forced to take a shot to cut it back inside.

Meanwhile Koepka and Garcia send it a fraction too long on the green. There’s no easy birdie coming here and I suspect it could be halved.

Poulter/Rahm vs Thomas/Spieth 1UP (13)

11:40: Bang bang Jon Rahm! With Spieth and Thomas looking to give the Europeans the slip – the Spaniard delivers after a stunning chip to within two-feet of the pin. The whitewash, or bluewash, is still on.

1UP Garcia/McIlroy vs Finau/Koepka (16)

11:35: Four shots up are reduced to one with two holes remaining. Tony Finau and Brooks Koepka have been dominated throughout the session but three-consecutive wins leave Europe in a perilous situation.

Sergio’s bunkered, McIlroy is too high on the green and USA have two bites at the cherry. Koepka sees his drift just left of the cup but Finau buries it. Those nerves jangling? Mine are… or it might be the eight buckets of coffee I’ve consumed today.

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BIG DEAL

11:30: No I’m talking about myself again, I’m talking about the Ryder Cup in general.

Around a quarter of a million tickets have been sold for the week – over 40 percent to French nationals – with around 70,000 following the action yesterday.

With only four holes ever in play at one time, it makes for huge crowds following the action, though others camped out at some of the best viewing holes, many surrounded by huge grassy banks that create natural amphitheatres and a perfect viewing experience. Bit chilly today mind, but it’s warming up.

With 18 huge TV screens dotted around the course, fans are also able to follow the action and join in the roars from all corners.

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3UP Casey/Hatton vs Johnson/Fowler (14)

11:29: Performance of the day has to go to Paul Casey and Tyrrell Hatton. They’ve been immense and deservedly tale a three-shot lead.

3UP Molinari/Fleetwood vs Woods/Reed (13)

11:26: Well Rory and Sergio might be losing concentration, but Francesco and Tommy are eyeing an early shower as they take a three-shot lead with five remaining. Tiger and Patrick ‘Captain America’ Reed fail to make par and concede the hole.

2UP Garcia/McIlroy vs Finau/Koepka (15)

11:23: This feels worryingly familiar. Finau and Koepka, just like yesterday are staging a late comeback. Sergio and Rory both take a swim while the Americans make it over. Koepka misses a two-putt from eight-feet but Finau makes no such mistake. Three holes remaining…

2UP Molinari/Fleetwood vs Woods/Reed (12)

11:20: I would be very surprised if the European pair don’t add to their tally here. Patrick Reed is a genuine threat to spectators when smashing a wild tee-shot that has fans running for cover. Tiger Woods then finds the water. Molinari should have a two-putt to go 3UP with five holes remaining.

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2UP Molinari/Fleetwood vs Woods/Reed (12)

11:10: Molinari restores the two-shot advantage after Tiger Woods and Patrick Reed wrestled their way back to level terms. I mentioned that Woods was in trouble off the 12th and he never recovered. Molinari and Fleetwood looked good for birdies but the Italian drains art from 20-feet.

Double bubble

11:05: The USA hit back… twice! A Jordan Spieth special sees him birdie the par-three 11th while Koepka’s smart chip reduces the deficit to two shots. Fortunately for Europe, Hatton prevents a hat-trick of holes for the visitors when halving the 13th with DJ.

1UP Molinari/Fleetwood vs Woods/Reed (11)

11:00: Tiger Woods has a back injury… from carrying Patrick Reed says a self-appointed comedian in the office. However, he finds himself in a sticky situation on the right of the 12th fairway. Conversely Fleetwood has a birdie putt having wedge his way out of trouble.

AS Poulter/Rahm vs Thomas/Spieth AS (10)

10:55: This is looking a vital match for the United States. Finau/Koepka look beaten and Johnson/Fowler are running out of holes. Ian Poulter has the chance to make it an all-blue leaderboard and land a KO blow but he shovels a 12ft birdie putt a few feet wide.

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Twitter Round-up

John: I’d like to see Tommy Fleetwood and Rory McIlroy paired together this afternoon. Fleetwood Mac…

Joseph: I’m starting to want the USA to win a couple of points just to keep tomorrow’s singles matches interesting.

Joe: I’ve always said Tiger Woods’ game doesn’t suit Ryder Cup golf because he accumulates low scores over four rounds, but is rarely boom and bust hole by hole. Here again, this type of golf isn’t suiting his game, and it’s making the great man look ordinary.

I’ll take these in order; hilarious, don’t be stupid and reasonable point.

1UP Molinari/Fleetwood vs Woods/Reed (11)

10:45: Molinarrriiiiii! Tremendous from the Italian, who covers Fleetwood’s rather anaemic tee-shot on the par-three 11th. Tommy usually likes those low stingers but he’s come up short and the thick grass saves him from a swim.

Reed’s purple patch lasted exactly one hole before sinking back into the rough, while Tiger passes up a golden opportunity to birdie after a stunning approach shot.

Fleetwood will struggle for par from there but it might not matter with Molinari in the perfect position… concentrate Francesco… BOOM! Europe re-take the lead on Match 3.

AS Molinari/Fleetwood vs Woods/Reed AS (10)

10:35: Oh no, there’s definitely a shift in momentum! The scoreboard suddenly doesn’t look so bad for the United States with matches three and four all-square heading into the back nine.

Tiger birdies the 10th after hitting a superb approach shot to within four feet.

2UP Casey/Hatton vs Johnson/Fowler (11)

10:30: DJ has joined the party! He drains an all too infrequent birdie to claim the 11th and reduce America’s deficit to two. I’m sensing a shift in momentum.

4UP Garcia/McIlroy vs Finau/Koepka (12)

10:25: Rory McIlroy and Sergio Garcia are really enjoying themselves today. There’s plenty of smiles, hugs and most importantly, birdies. The pair are joyous after Rory grabs another but this time Tony Finau responds with one his own. Halved.

1UP Molinari/Fleetwood vs Woods/Reed (9)

10:18: That’s swiftly followed by a small and precious win for the US, and Patrick Reed in particular who makes par to halve the ninth with Molinari and Fleetwood. If he can generate some momentum it could get pretty spicy in Match 3.

Oh, and he’s shushing the European fans in the greenside stand. Quite ballsy considering he’s struggled the last couple of days. Trying to inspire himself perhaps.

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AS Poulter/Rahm vs Thomas/Spieth AS (8)

10:15: A strong hole from Spieth sees the Poulter and Rahm pegged back. It’s not a huge victory, but the United States will take what they can get right now.

4UP Garcia/McIlroy vs Finau/Koepka (11)

10:08: That might be the biggest roar I’ve heard this Ryder Cup. Rory and Sergio both have birdie opportunities and the Spanish magician pulls one out the bag and drains it.

Tony Finau has a dolly from four-feet away… he’s missed it! That’s matchplay in a nutshell. Sergio piled the pressure and Finau buckled in front of the packed grandstands.

Getting ahead of myself…

10:05: The biggest winning margin in back to back sessions at a Ryder Cup is an aggregate of 7-1 to the US. Walton Heath in 1981.

1UP Poulter/Rahm vs Thomas/Spieth (7)

10:00:Oh yes Poults! The Ryder Cup specialist is thumping the badge on his chest and that can only mean one thing… birdie! Poulter’s second to seven finishes about 10 feet away but that’s no problem because he’s drained it in style.

Every time Ian Poulter sinks one its like he has just scored a 93rd-minute winner in the World Cup final. I love it.

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1UP Molinari/Fleetwood vs Woods/Reed (8)

09:54: Quite disappoint from this quartet. All make the green on the par-three 8th. Fleetwood miss, Woods miss, Reed miss, Molinari… miss. As you were…

3UP Garcia/McIlroy vs Finau/Koepka (10)

09:51: “Be good, be good, be good,” says Sergio Garcia following his approach shot on the par-four tenth. It is, Sergio! It drops dead 10-feet above the pin, and that’s a kind arrowed line for the Spaniard to tickle.

McIlroy is further away but his downhill winder has too much mustard on it and sails left of the hole. Time for Sergio. He needs birdie to win this… just burnt the edge with a good, positive try.

Match 3 – 1UP Molinari/Fleetwood vs Woods/Reed (7)

09:50: This just got nervy. Tiger Woods has taken it upon himself to battle Molinari and Fleetwood given Reed’s woeful form. It’s a big relief for Tiger, who birdies from 12-feet to reduce the deficit.

3UP Casey/Hatton vs Johnson/Fowler (9)

09:47: Tyrrell Hatton, so nice of you to join us. I suppose that’s a little bit mean of me considering the rookie has had a mixed couple of days. Anyway, he extends Europe’s lead in match two with a 15ft putt.

3UP Garcia/McIlroy vs Finau/Koepka (9)

09:45: Could that spark a shift in momentum for the Americans? Rory McIlory rolls his putt well past and to the right shortly after Sergio drifted left. It’s advantage America, but can they convert?

Tony Finau does indeed. The deficit is now three.

AS Poulter/Rahm vs Thomas/Spieth AS (6)

09:40: It’s a straight shoot-out between Poulter and Spieth on the sixth. The American stops it dead within five-feet and sinks it, but Poulter won’t allow him the point and drains one to keep any red off the leaderboard.

2UP Molinari/Fleetwood vs Woods/Reed (5)

09:35: Out of bounds from Patrick Reed. That hands the responsibility to Tiger, who finds the fairway with his tee-shot on the seventh. The American’s can’t afford to gift Francesco Molinari and Tommy Fleetwood 3UP through. We’ll see if the pair can punish.

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AS Poulter/Rahm vs Thomas/Spieth AS (5)

09:25: Jon Rahmn shaves the hole with a long-range birdie putt on five. Spieth has the chance to win it from 12 feet, but neither can sink it. All square.

Incidentally, Team USA still haven’t made a birdie today. Not one. Nada. Zero. Zilch.

4UP Garcia/McIlroy vs Finau/Koepka (8)

09:18: Sergio Garcia is pretty handy off the tricky par-three eighth. He’s clipped it to within 15-feet. Rory McIlroy has done the same but his uphiller is significantly tougher with a winding right to left.

Rory lines it up… DRAINS IT!! He didn’t bag any birdies yesterday but he’s made up for it today! That was exceptional. Exceptional. Tony Finau can’t convert from a quarter of the distance. Thats three birdies in four holes from the European duo.

2UP Casey/Hatton vs Johnson/Fowler (6)

09:14: Paul Casey, you wildcard beast! The other three matches are halved but the Cheltenham-born shows his brilliance when draining from the better part of 20-feet to move 2UP through six

Paul Casey making putts is T-R-O-U-B-L-E. Trouble.

AS Poulter/Rahm vs Thomas/Spieth AS (4)

09:08: The red has been washed off the leaderboard folks as Poulter & Rahm level things up.. Poulter lands his approach shot around 10 feet away from the pin with Thomas and Spieth buried in the rough.

Poulter flirts with his birdie putt but neither of the Americans can make par and the points go Europe’s way.

3UP Garcia/McIlroy vs Finau/Koepka (6)

09:04: Selecting Sergio Garcia ahead of Rafa Cabrera-Bello is looking like an inspired decision from Thomas Bjorn now. He’s been excellent and again comes to the fore after McIlroy follows up his birdie on the sixth with a wayward drive on seven.

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Hint?!

09:00: Jim Furyk admits some of his American Ryder Cup stars may sit out the whole day after the European whitewash.

“We’re taking a look at it,” Furyk admitted when asked if some players could completely miss the Saturday play. “We have a couple of options, two or three options out on the table for this afternoon.

“A lot of it will depend on what happens this morning for the part of the golf we can see. I think our last group was on 14 yesterday when we had to send our pairings. You kind of get a flow as to how the golf is flowing and we’ll take a look and we’ll put them out there.”

Phil Mickelson perhaps?

3UP Garcia/McIlroy vs Finau/Koepka (6)

08:55: Good lads! Koepka hoicked his tee shot at 6 into the thick and heavy stuff. He spends a few minutes trying to find his ball, and though he does find a couple, neither belong to him. It’s down to Finau to salvage something, but a missed putt allows McIlroy to hole and go three up after six.

1UP Casey/Hatton vs Johnson/Fowler (5)

08:53: Another birdie for Paul Casey, his fifth of the 42nd Ryder Cup to be precise, but it’s not enough to win the hole with Rickie Fowler holding his nerve to earn a share.

Poulter/Rahm vs Thomas/Spieth 1UP (4)

08:50: Jon Rahm has a tricky uphill opportunity to make it all square in Match 4 but he’s always drifting to the right and rolls a few inches wide. That’s a big missed chance because Spieth found the water off the third tee.

2UP Molinari/Fleetwood vs Woods/Reed (3)

08:45: Each time I look at my television Patrick Reed is buried in the rough – squinting in the sunlight trying to navigate his way out of a terrible tee-shot. No such problems for Molinari, who sticks it 20-feet short. Could be a third in the pipeline folks.

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2UP Garcia/McIlroy vs Finau/Koepka (5)

08:40: Tony Finau must wonder how the heck he’s only halved the par four fifth. He plays a delightful chip from the bunker and sticks it straight in after one bounce.

That should be one back… but Rory McIlroy isn’t having it! The European superstar (bit strong) matches his birdie with a straight and true 10-footer. Big psychological blow for the visitors.

2UP Molinari/Fleetwood vs Woods/Reed (2)

08:35: Someone commission Molinari and Fleetwood to have their own TV show. I’d watch these two all day. They take a two-shot lead in their third outing together. Reed is nowhere to be seen having found the rough, and Woods joins him shortly after.

It’s a gift really and the European pair won’t be declining. Woods manages to hold par but Molinari’s two-putt birdie on 3 sends his team 2UP.

McIlroy responds

08:30: Rory McIlroy admitted yesterday that he will need to have a much better morning having been the only player NOT to make a birdie in the fourballs.

“It’s going to be tough. Brooks (Koepka) is a double major champion this year and Tony (Finau) is very consistent,” he told Sky Sports. “We are going to have to be really good and I’m definitely going to have to be better than I was yesterday morning.”

Poulter/Rahm vs Thomas/Spieth 1UP (2)

08:25: Guess who? You just knew this pair would get off to a fast start and that’s exactly whats happened. Rahm finds the water for the second time in succession before Poulter misses a tricky birdie putt. Spieth makes no mistake in handing the USA their first red marks on the leaderboard.

2UP Garcia/McIlroy vs Finau/Koepka AS (4)

08:20: Europe takes control! Koepka and Finau have another sluggish start when finding rough off the tee and the latter rolls it wide of the par four fourth. McIlroy misses from distance but Garcia’s 191-yard approach was magnificent and holes from six-feet.

1UP Molinari/Fleetwood vs Woods/Reed (2)

08:10: How does everyone feel about Tiger’s innovative two hats approach?! I’ve posted a picture of the baseball cap/beanie combination – but I suspect this one will NOT be catching on anytime soon.

Tiger misses a gettable 10-footer, but wait, Fleetwood tickles one down the hill… it’s on its way… it’s still on its way… boom! Just like yesterday, Fleetwood has brought his impeccable putting game to the party and takes first blood against the Americans.

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1UP Garcia/McIlroy vs Finau/Koepka AS (3)

08:05: Sergio Garcia is paying Thomas Bjorn back in spades it seems. He can’t stop winning. I’ll give Rory the credit for this one though as he splashes out from the near-side bunker. It’s less than a foot away and that’s enough to win the hole.

Poulter/Rahm vs Thomas/Spieth

08:00: Here come the boys! This one feels like the popular high-school jocks vs the library twins as Ian Poulter and Jon Rahm get Match 4 underway against Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas.

The 25-year-old three-times major champion missed last week’s Tour Championships in Atlanta in order to regain his zip after a title-less season and the break seemed to work wonders as he began with a birdie barrage – let’s see if he can repeat the feat today.

Three are safely away, but Rahm goes straight in the drink. Looks like this one’s on you, Poults.

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AS Casey/Hatton vs Johnson/Fowler AS

07:55: Johnson and Fowler hit back! Well, Fowler does. DJ was miles away from the green and sent it straight into the water, but his partner arrows his tee shot to ten feet and takes care of business. The Europeans can’t better a birdie and we’re all square again.

USA – Strongest Ryder Cup team ever

07:48: You might not know from the scoreline, but the USA went into this year’s Ryder Cup as the strongest team since world golf rankings began in 1986.

That’s according to the stats nerds down at spread betting firm Sporting Index, who appear to have too much time on their hands.

After Tiger Woods’ emotional victory at the Tour Championship last weekend propelled him up to 13th in the world, Jim Furyk’s men now have an average world ranking of just 11.17 – better than the previous best of 11.83, set by Team USA in 1999.

Of course, having the ‘best’ team doesn’t necessarily translate to Ryder Cup success. Of the 15 meetings since rankings began, the side with the strongest average ranking has won just five times – which could be a good omen for European captain Thomas Bjorn.

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Molinari/Fleetwood vs Woods/Reed

07:45: Heeeeereeeee’s Tommy! British Open Champion Francesco Molinari and rookie Tommy Fleetwood, who in the morning left Tiger Woods licking his wounds on his much-anticipated Ryder Cup return before defeating Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth in the second session.

Woods and Captain America have the chance to exact some revenge today, but it’s not the best of opening tee-shots for Reed, who is so terrified of landing in the drink that he over-compensates by sending it straight into the rough on the right of the fairway. No issues for Tiger, and the crowd love it.

Tommy takes an iron to it successfully, while Molinari is just about perfect despite flirting with the water.

1UP Casey/Hatton vs Johnson/Fowler (1)

07:40: This is looking positive for the European duo. Fowler AGAIN hooks it miles from the par four first while Johnson elects to clip it inside to keep the ball alive.

Johnson grabs his iron… he’s in the water!!! Paul Casey finds the green and has a two-putt from eight feet to win the opening hole. Ah, the US concede and Europe have the advantage early doors.

Fightback

07:35: Jim Furyk predicted that his side would bounce back from suffering an unprecedented whitewash. Well what else was he going to say?!

Furyk has kept faith with his fourball pairings for today’s session – giving Woods and Patrick Reed the chance for revenge against Francesco Molinari and Tommy Fleetwood – but admitted he would need to “shore up” his foursomes line-up.

He was just asked if some players wouldn’t feature today, and he was extremely cagey. I suspect “yes” is the answer but I guess we’ll have to wait and see.

“We’ll take a look at it. Depends what happens this morning,” he said.

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Casey/Hatton vs Johnson/Fowler

07:30: Paul Casey and Tyrrell Hatton fell three down to Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas when Spieth made five birdies in the first seven holes, but the English pair fought back superbly to get back on level terms after 13 holes, only for Thomas to crucially birdie the 15th and hold on for victory.

Europe captain Thomas Bjorn has kept faith with the pair, who are given a tough assignment against DJ and Rickie Fowler. Well, I say tough – Fowler has just spanked it straight into the water while Johnson flirts with the wet stuff. He’s just about safe. Crowd loved that.

Huge cheers for Casey, who drops it in the middle of the fairway but is playing partner Hatton, who is full of adrenaline, takes a swim.

AS Garcia/McIlroy vs Finau/Koepka AS (1)

07:25: No immediate drama from the opening quartet with Finau and Koepka slapping irons down the fairway with Garcia doing the same using a 3-wood. Rory is close to the water but the lip between the fairway and rough slows it down.

The pin placement on the opening green is dangerously close to the water, so irons to the right side of the green will be the order of the day – bravery could cost you.

Finau and McIlroy don’t trouble the hole with tricky 20-footers sailing past, same goes for Garcia and Koepka. Halved.

Stay grounded…

07:20:I guess it’s easier said than done after yesterday’s whitewash in the foursomes, but Europe captain Thomas Bjorn refused to get carried away about the prospect of regaining the Ryder Cup.

“It’s hard to say it’s not right at the top as a session, but then you’ve got to look at the other way and say the morning session wasn’t at the top. That’s the way it is,”Bjorn said.

“When you have a clean sweep, that is something that is pretty special to all those players that were out on that golf course. But you know, we experienced it against us in Hazeltine the first morning, and that’s not a nice thing. I’ve been around long enough to know that on Saturday morning, it could be completely different again.

“I thought it was a nice response and a brilliant afternoon. It doesn’t excite me any more than that as I know what’s ahead of us for the next two days.”

Garcia/McIlroy vs Finau/Koepka

07:10:“Oleeeeeeeee, Olé, Olé, Olé,”sing the packed 7,000-capacity grandstand as the first quartet of the morning stroll out.

After taking a 3-1 lead in the morning fourballs, the Americans were swept aside with consulate ease in the four alternate shot matches at Le Golf National.

I enjoyed writing that, could you tell?

Anyway, we’re back up and running again at a rowdy Le Golf National where Europe are looking to press home their 5-3 advantage and pick up where they left off yesterday evening.

Rory McIlroy is partnered with Sergio Garcia in Match 1, while USA captain Jim Furyk sticks with the tried and tested Tony Finau and Brooks Koepka, who showed real guts and determination to beat Justin Rose and Jon Rahm in the fourballs yesterday.

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The Ryder Cup is into day two at Le Golf National – follow the action live

Europe come into the second day with a 5-3 lead after a stunning turnaround in the second session.

But the USA have named their same line up from yesterday’s morning session after taking an early 3-1 lead.

Europe have mixed things up with Rory McIlroy out with Sergio Garcia first and Justin Rose rested.

Tiger Woods continues despite suggestions of an injury and him and read face Francesco Molinari and Tommy Fleetwood again.